Support Independent Research on Bars as Social Hubs

​This independent research project explores the bar/brewpub as a place where people from different backgrounds can meet and interact... and whether there is opportunity in this space to generate greater understanding and cohesion.​

Whether you have a favorite watering hole in your community or you just frequent the hotel and/or airport bar while on travel, you likely have engaged in some amazing (and surprising) conversations... and with people you would not have met–let alone conversed–anywhere else.

​The Bar Project, perhaps, has been one of the longest considered investigations. The bar/brewpub has been a mainstay of socialization in our lives. And, not only have we enjoyed some delicious drinks, but we've also met some very interesting people who have led amazing lives.

In addition, more than a few times we've met people who have had very different ideologies than we... a reality we only discovered through discussing things you never should broach with strangers... you know, the usuals... politics, religion and social issues. But, we've gone there! And, the striking reality has been that so often these conversations yielded common ground... and/or understanding about why the "other" thought or felt a specific way.​​​​

​And, this is where the important stories are shared! It's where humanity is housed... it's where commonality is discovered and it's where growth begins. 

THIS PLACE IS THE BAR... THE BREWPUB.

Previous research has demonstrated that neighborhood bars are widely valued as ‘offering a space where local people can meet and socialize’ and ‘are perceived by the public to be an important place where people from different backgrounds can meet and interact’. Such spaces are said to foster community interaction and cohesion at times when many communities are increasingly fragmented, leaving some individuals vulnerable to social isolation and disconnection.

Given the current social climate in the U.S., we believe that learning more about the spaces (bars/brewpubs) that provide individuals with different attitudes, beliefs and philosophies/ideologies a place to congregate and converse (civilly) is the key to easing tensions and fostering understanding. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to investigate the mechanisms in a neighborhood bar/brewpub that establish its level and type of sociability and to explore patrons’ backgrounds as well as their interests in visiting this bar.

We will achieve this goal by interviewing approximately 75-100 adults (age 21 and older) from across the U.S., beginning in Nashville, TN.

Collected data will be used in two ways: 1) to create a book of stories/narratives that will be accompanied by participant photos 2) to create an online community/forum and associated resources to promote ongoing attention to this phenomenon, which may include a podcast as the mode for sharing these interviews (at least in part).

This project is part of a larger independent research portfolio. Each of these projects is born from ideas that inspire us, areas of inquiry about which we are passionate and topics that bring us joy. This work is dedicated to our core values of Discovery, Cultivation and Growth. 

Since our work is independent of any organization or institution, funding sources are scarce/non-existent. In an effort to secure the time and resources needed to bring these projects to fruition, we have to self-fund and self-fundraise. And, we would be ecstatic to have your support!

Your donations will cover the following:

**Photo in this post is courtesy of Jeff Tumale.